Modern yacht builders face increasing pressure to deliver vessels that are lighter, more efficient, and higher performing, while complying with international structural standards and maintaining practical manufacturability.
To investigate how much structural weight could realistically be reduced within these constraints, Solico Engineering conducted a study into structural optimisation for yacht design. The goal was to evaluate how ISO-compliant analytical design methods and more advanced Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis could improve structural efficiency without compromising safety or production feasibility.
The results demonstrate that significant weight reductions are achievable. Using a structured optimisation approach, Solico was able to reduce structural weight by up to 37% compared with a conventional baseline design provided by an external party.
Investigating Structural Efficiency
Traditional yacht structures are often designed conservatively to ensure safety and compliance with ISO standards. While this approach provides reliability, it can also lead to structures that are heavier than necessary.
Solico’s study explored how different engineering tools can refine these designs while maintaining the same regulatory framework.
The first step involved analytical optimisation based on ISO structural rules, where laminate schedules and structural dimensions were systematically reviewed to eliminate unnecessary material while preserving required safety margins.
Next, Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations were applied to analyse load distribution and identify local stress concentrations within the structure. This deeper insight enabled further targeted optimisation of laminates and structural components.
Importantly, both methods remained fully compliant with ISO structural requirements.
Significant Weight Reduction
The study revealed substantial opportunities for improving structural efficiency.
Analytical optimisation alone achieved approximately 28% structural weight reduction compared with the original design. By applying additional FEM-based optimisation, a further 12% reduction was achieved, resulting in a total structural weight reduction of around 37%.
Weight reductions on this scale can have a meaningful impact on vessel performance. A lighter structure reduces displacement and can contribute to improved speed, greater cruising range, and increased payload capacity.
Benefits for Shipyards and Owners
Beyond performance improvements, the study also highlighted benefits for yacht production. For shipyards, this results in lower material consumption and reduced labour effort. At the same time, lighter vessels offer clear advantages for owners, including lower fuel consumption, improved cruising range and increased performance.
A Flexible Engineering Approach
The study also demonstrates how different optimisation methods can be applied depending on the goals of a yacht project.
Analytical optimisation: Provides a fast and cost-effective way to refine structures while remaining fully ISO-compliant, making it ideal for early design stages or standard production models.
FEM-based optimisation: Enables deeper structural insight and maximum weight reduction, making it particularly valuable for high-performance or premium vessels.
Unlocking the Potential of Structural Optimisation
Solico Engineering’s study demonstrates that modern structural optimisation methods can significantly improve yacht structures without compromising compliance or manufacturability.
By combining analytical design methods with targeted FEM analysis, shipyards can unlock substantial weight reductions and develop lighter, more efficient yachts that meet the growing market demand for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
